Foundation Executive Director Phill Casaus said the event netted more than $54,000, which will be halved between the Foundation and the Fine Arts Program. That doesn’t count the split that went to individual student artists, each of whom received 40 percent of the sales from their pieces.

“We are still delivering some pieces, so the final count is unfinished,” said Casaus, “but it’s clear we will have set records on a lot of fronts. For that, we are very grateful to so many people – especially the students themselves, whose talents are amazing.”

A is for Art!, held Sept. 28 at the Albuquerque Museum, drew more than 450 people despite evening-long showers that forced the live auction and musical performances inside. The Foundation raised more than $50,000 in cash sponsorships. Technology Integration Group was the Walk of Fame sponsor for the event.

Casaus said a special thanks goes to artist Edward Gonzales, whose donated painting brought $4,000. Gonzales, an APS graduate, also donated a collection of posters for sale.

“Everyone always says this because it’s true: You can’t hold a great event without volunteers who give so selflessly,” Casaus said. “We had about three dozen volunteers who worked all day to make this wonderful, and we had fabulous help from APS Communications, APS Technology and, of course, the Foundation Board of Directors and staff. It was a team effort, and for that, I’m very grateful.”